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- Tasks: Lead research and library services, shaping impactful projects and partnerships.
- Company: Join the British Museum, a historic institution with a collection spanning over two million years.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, pension scheme, and discounts on food and gifts.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on global research while working in a dynamic, inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in research funding and strategy development within museums or archives.
- Other info: Flexible working options available; we encourage diverse applicants to apply.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 90000 £ per year.
Details:
Location: London
Category:
- Archivist
- Librarian
- Research
- Senior management
Salary: £77,816 per annum
Contract type: Contract Permanent
Hours: Full time
Telephone: 020 7323 8000
Head of Research, Archives and Libraries
About the role: The British Museum is looking for a visionary leader to join its Collection Directorate as Head of Research, Archives and Libraries. In this critical role, you will shape and deliver the Museum’s vision for research, ensuring the Museum has one of the world’s most researched, accessible and visible collections.
This high-impact role offers the opportunity to shape the Museum’s world-class research, catalysing research across all areas of the Museum at a pivotal time in its history. You will drive improvements across archive and library services, forge meaningful partnerships internally and externally, and champion income-generating initiatives that align with the Museum’s strategic objectives.
If you are looking for a new challenge and an opportunity to make a major contribution to the future of the Museum we warmly invite you to apply for this role.
Key areas of responsibility:
- Leading and developing high-performing teams responsible for the delivery of research leadership and management, and archive and library services.
- Setting and executing the vision for research, archives and libraries, delivering impactful outcomes.
- Shaping the development of major research projects and funding bids, focusing on continuous income-generating activities and setting effective targets.
- Contributing to the national and international research landscape through advocacy and strategic insight.
- Leading and holding key relationships with external organisations for the development of the Museum’s research at BM_ARC in Reading.
What you’ll bring to the Museum:
- A reputation for shaping research at a senior level in a major institution.
- Experience in developing and implementing strategies within a research-focussed environment
- A proven leader in securing research funding and delivering high-profile, externally funded projects.
- Understanding of sector-wide issues affecting museums, archives, and libraries and the heritage sector.
- A strong reputation in a research field relevant to the Museum
- Demonstrated ability to build and develop motivated, purpose-driven teams.
- Skilled at influencing and collaborating with a wide range of stakeholders internally and externally across academia, government and media.
About the British Museum:
Founded in 1753, the British Museum’s remarkable collection spans over two million years of human history and culture. The Museum is a leading visitor attraction, and its world-famous collection includes the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies, the Sutton-Hoo finds, and the Lewis Chessmen. The Museum also holds an extensive collection of prints and drawings spanning 600 years, including works by the greatest graphic artists such as Dürer, Michelangelo and Rembrandt.
The Museum offers a competitive benefits package including:
- Generous annual leave allowance of 25 days (rising to 30 days after 10 years’ service) plus 2.5 privilege days and plus bank holidays
- Membership of the civil service defined benefit pension scheme (find out here what benefits a civil service pension provides).
- Free entry to a wide range of museums and exhibitions
- Participation in private and public Museum activities, including talks by leading curators from around the world and behind-the-scenes opportunities to learn how museums care for and manage their extraordinary collections
- Interest-free travel, bicycle and rental deposit loans
- Professional and personal development opportunities
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Discounts on food and gift shop purchases
Additional details:
Detailed information about this role can be found on the Museum’s job application portal. If you have any additional needs that we should be aware of in order to support you with your application, please provide details to bmrecruit@britishmuseum.org.
The British Museum is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a working environment in which all individuals can make best use of their skills, free from unlawful discrimination or harassment. We value the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to a museum which represents world culture. The Museum is committed to ensuring that no job applicant suffers unlawful discrimination because of any protected characteristics. Our recruitment procedures aim to ensure that individuals are treated in line with their relevant knowledge, skills and experience. We specifically encourage applications from candidates from ethnic minority groups who are underrepresented within our senior roles.
We offer a flexible way of working that allows our employees to work remotely in a way that suits them and the organisation. We welcome questions and conversations at interview stage about how flexible working could work for you. We would typically see this role as working on site about 2 days a week.
The Museum adheres to the HMG Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) for pre-employment screening of Civil Servants.
National Museum Directors\’ Council, Tate Britain, Millbank, London SW1P 4RG.
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Head of Research, Archives and Libraries employer: www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard
Contact Detail:
www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Research, Archives and Libraries
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the museum and archives sector. Attend relevant conferences, workshops, or seminars where you can meet key players in the field. Building relationships with individuals who are already in senior roles can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Stay updated on current trends and challenges within the museum and heritage sector. Subscribe to industry publications and follow thought leaders on social media. This knowledge will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your vision for research and development in museums. Think about innovative ideas that could enhance the British Museum's offerings and how you would implement them. Being able to articulate a clear and compelling vision will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the British Museum’s current projects and partnerships. Understanding their strategic objectives and recent initiatives will allow you to tailor your discussions during the interview, showing that you are genuinely interested in contributing to their mission.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Research, Archives and Libraries
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Research, Archives and Libraries position. Make sure to understand the key responsibilities and required qualifications so you can tailor your application accordingly.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in leading research initiatives, securing funding, and managing teams. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to shape research at a senior level.
Showcase Your Vision: Articulate your vision for the role in your cover letter. Discuss how you would drive improvements in archive and library services and contribute to the Museum’s strategic objectives, showcasing your understanding of sector-wide issues.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your CV and cover letter for this specific role. Use keywords from the job description and align your skills and experiences with the Museum's goals to make your application stand out.
How to prepare for a job interview at www.nationalmuseums.org.uk - Jobboard
✨Showcase Your Vision
As the Head of Research, Archives and Libraries, it's crucial to articulate your vision for the role. Prepare to discuss how you would shape the Museum’s research strategy and improve archive and library services, demonstrating your understanding of the institution's goals.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Emphasise your experience in leading high-performing teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've motivated and developed teams in previous roles, particularly in a research-focused environment.
✨Demonstrate Funding Success
Since securing research funding is a key responsibility, come prepared with specific examples of successful funding bids you've led. Discuss the impact these projects had and how they align with the Museum's strategic objectives.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The role requires collaboration with various stakeholders. Prepare to discuss your approach to building relationships with external organisations and how you've successfully influenced and collaborated with diverse groups in the past.
